The Galatasaray midfielder was initially left out of Van Gaal's 21-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Andorra, but an ankle injury to PSV winger Georginio Wijnaldum paved the way for Sneijder's return.

The former Ajax, Real Madrid and Inter man has won 93 caps for Oranje, but has not featured since playing friendlies in East Asia at the end of last season.

Van Gaal chose not to call Sneijder up for the August international in Portugal and again overlooked the playmaker for September's clashes before misfortune struck for Wijnaldum.

Netherlands top their World Cup qualifying group after posting a 100 per cent record from six games played and a pair of wins away to Estonia and Andorra over the next fortnight will confirm their place in Brazil next year.